2026 Riddle Mountain Emergency Wild Horse Gather
The Bureau of Land Management’s Burns District plans to begin the emergency gather on or about October 20, 2026.
Purpose of Gather:
Last month, the Bald Mountain Fire burned through the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area, which was already showing a lack of forage due to ongoing drought.
The Bureau of Land Management plans an emergency operation to rescue wild horses from the herd whose health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages. The animals' survival is compromised by a lack of resources due to an especially dry winter and recent wildfires.
Details of Gather:
The BLM will transport the rescued horses to off-range holding facilities, where they will receive veterinary evaluations, appropriate care, high-quality feed, and continuous access to fresh water. The facilities provide ample space that meets established agency standards.
Public Observation:
During the gather, the BLM will temporarily close certain public lands within the HMA. The public may observe with a BLM escort on designated viewing days at safe locations. Federal Aviation Administration requirements, weather, and gather operations will determine viewing locations and availability. No pets are allowed. No exceptions.
The gather is expected to take a few days, depending on conditions. Observation is by reservation only, with 10–15 people per viewing day. Email requests to lisa_reid@ios.doi.gov beginning October 19, 2026. Requests must be received by 4 p.m. the day before your preferred viewing day. Include the date(s) you wish to attend. Phone and voicemail reservations will not be accepted.
Reservations are first-come, first-served, based on when emails are received. You may request multiple days, but first-time observers receive priority. Repeat visits may be accommodated as space allows after all interested participants have had an opportunity to attend.
Participants must receive email confirmation before attending. A BLM representative will provide meeting details and instructions the day before the visit, possibly late in the evening after operations planning. Observers should prepare to meet at the Burns District Office between 4:30 and 6 a.m. to caravan to the site.
Viewing may change or be canceled on short notice due to weather, changing gather locations, safety concerns, or operational needs.
The safety of horses, the public, and all personnel remains the highest priority.
Adoption Information:
Once they have been evaluated and are ready, some of the horses may be available for adoption through the BLM Online Corral.
Background:
Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area is located 50 air miles southeast from Burns, Oregon and is southeast, and adjacent, to Riddle Mountain. Topography varies from gently rolling hills to steep slopes and buttes with broad valleys. Horses in this herd vary in color from dun, grulla, buckin and variations of these colors including dorsal and zebra stripes.
- Daily Gather Reports
October 21, 2026 - GATHER CONCLUDED TODAY
Summary: Sunny, temperatures were 45 to 62 degrees. BCS 3 - 4
Animals Gathered: 7 (2 Stallions, 5 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 139 (55 Stallions, 69 Mares, and 15 Foals)
Animals Released: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 1
- Sudden / Acute: 1
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
- 12-year-old grulla mare humanely euthanized due to a fractured leg with no prognosis for improvement.
October 20, 2026
Summary: Sunny, temperatures were 40 to 70 degrees. BCS 3 - 4
Animals Gathered: 133 (53 Stallions, 65 Mares, and 15 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Released: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
- Sudden / Acute: 0
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
News
Gather Status
As of October 21, 2026
Animals Gathered:
140 Wild Horses (55 Stallions, 70 Mares, and 15 Foals)
Animals Shipped:
139 Wild Horses (55 Stallions, 69 Mares, and 15 Foals)
Animals Released:
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 1
-Sudden / Acute: 1
-Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Scroll to the bottom of this gather page for detailed “Daily Gather Reports."